Experience the excitement as Lamine Yamal’s double propels Spain to a dramatic 5-4 win against France. Explore the match details and standout performances.
Introduction: Yamal’s Double
On a night that will be remembered as one of the most thrilling in UEFA Nations League history, Spain outlasted France 5-4 in an electrifying semifinal at the Stuttgart Arena. The match, which featured a record nine goals, saw 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal deliver a masterclass, scoring twice and inspiring his side to a third straight Nations League final, where they will face Portugal.
First Half: Spanish Precision, French Frustration
The opening exchanges were frenetic, both teams trading attacks and testing each other’s defenses. France’s Kylian Mbappé and Spain’s Nico Williams both forced early saves, while Theo Hernández rattled the crossbar with a fierce strike, signaling France’s intent.
But it was Spain who struck first. In the 22nd minute, Mikel Oyarzabal held off two defenders before laying the ball off for Williams, who rifled a shot into the top corner to give Spain the lead. Just three minutes later, Oyarzabal was again the provider, executing a clever one-two with Mikel Merino, who finished coolly to double Spain’s advantage.
France, visibly fatigued after several players featured in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph the previous weekend, struggled to find their rhythm. Spain’s midfield, orchestrated by Pedri and Merino, controlled possession and tempo, leaving Didier Deschamps’ side chasing shadows for much of the half.
Second Half: Yamal Takes Center Stage
The second half began with France desperate to claw their way back, but Spain continued their relentless assault. In the 53rd minute, Lamine Yamal won and converted a penalty, showing composure beyond his years to make it 3-0. Less than two minutes later, Pedri added a fourth with a delightful chip, seemingly putting the game out of France’s reach.
France responded through Mbappé, who converted a penalty in the 59th minute to give Les Bleus a glimmer of hope. However, Yamal quickly restored Spain’s four-goal cushion in the 67th minute, finishing off a sweeping move to notch his second of the night and Spain’s fifth. See also: Ronaldo and Conceição Inspire Portugal’s Comeback 2-1
France’s Furious Comeback Falls Just Short
With the score at 5-1, Spain appeared to relax, and France seized the opportunity to mount a dramatic late comeback. Rayan Cherki, making his debut, unleashed a stunning strike from 20 meters to make it 5-2 in the 79th minute. The pressure mounted as Dani Vivian inadvertently turned the ball into his own net five minutes later, cutting Spain’s lead to just two goals.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Cherki whipped in a cross for Randal Kolo Muani, who headed home to make it 5-4, sending a wave of anxiety through the Spanish ranks. With only seconds remaining, France pressed desperately for an equalizer, but Spain held firm, securing their place in Sunday’s final.
Yamal’s Coming of Age
Lamine Yamal was named Player of the Match for his dazzling performance, scoring twice and constantly tormenting the French defense. At just 17, he showed maturity and confidence well beyond his years, confirming his status as one of world football’s brightest young stars.
“He scored two goals, but more important was that he was a constant threat in attack, playing with unbelievable maturity for his age,” noted UEFA’s Technical Observer Group.
His ability to influence the game in such a high-pressure environment has fueled talk of Ballon d’Or potential, and his performance in Stuttgart will be remembered as a defining moment in his burgeoning career.
Key Moments and Tactical Insights
22’: Nico Williams opens the scoring after a clever assist from Oyarzabal.
25’: Mikel Merino doubles Spain’s lead with a one-two and composed finish.
53’: Yamal wins and converts a penalty for 3-0.
55’: Pedri chips in Spain’s fourth.
59’: Mbappé scores from the spot for France.
67’: Yamal nets his second, making it 5-1.
79’: Cherki scores a long-range stunner.
84’: Vivian’s own goal makes it 5-3.
90+3’: Kolo Muani heads in France’s fourth, but Spain hold on.
Spain’s attacking verve was on full display, but defensive lapses almost cost them dearly. The late French surge exposed vulnerabilities that manager Luis de la Fuente will need to address ahead of the final. Still, Spain’s ability to score at will proved decisive.
French Regret and Spanish Relief
For France, the loss was a bitter pill. Missing key defenders and showing signs of fatigue, Les Bleus were unable to contain Spain’s youthful attack for much of the match. Yet, their late rally demonstrated the depth of talent at Deschamps’ disposal, with Cherki and Kolo Muani providing hope for the future.
Spain, meanwhile, celebrated reaching a record third consecutive Nations League final. Their unbeaten run in the competition now stands at 12 games, and they will look to cap it off with another trophy against Portugal.
Looking Ahead: Spain vs Portugal in the Final
With the dust barely settled on this nine-goal epic, attention now turns to the final. Spain will face Portugal in Munich, a clash of Iberian giants with a trophy and continental bragging rights on the line. The Spanish camp will hope that Yamal and his fellow young stars can replicate their attacking fireworks while tightening up at the back.
France will meet Germany in the third-place playoff, seeking consolation and a chance to end their campaign on a positive note.
Conclusion: A Semifinal for the Ages
Spain’s 5-4 victory over France in Stuttgart will go down as one of the greatest matches in Nations League history—a night of attacking brilliance, youthful exuberance, and late drama. Lamine Yamal’s star shines brighter than ever, and La Roja march on to another final, their legacy as a European powerhouse firmly intact.